Panama: Mother files complaint after son allegedly assaulted by classmates at IPHE

A mother in Coclé, Panama, has filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office after her 16-year-old son, a student at the Panamanian Institute for Special Education (IPHE) in Aguadulce, was allegedly assaulted by fellow students.

The mother recounted finding her son injured and bleeding behind a desk inside the classroom after school hours, with no staff present. "I found my son lying behind a desk, crying, with blood on his face, while all the teaching staff were outside the classroom. No one was watching him," she stated.

She reported that she had to transport her son to the Regional Hospital Rafael Estévez for medical attention, as no school official called an ambulance or checked on his condition. "I had to help my son and take him to the hospital. No school personnel approached to see how he was. To this day, they have not given me an answer," she expressed.

The student is experiencing emotional distress following the incident. The mother sought protection measures from the Public Prosecutor's Office, stating, "My son is having a psychological crisis. I am here seeking a protection measure for him. I don't want another child to go through this." She also urged the Ministry of Education to investigate, believing her son's rights were violated and proper protocols were not followed.

The Ministry of Education's regional director in Coclé confirmed communication with the IPHE and national supervision, offering support to the family. An official report is pending to determine appropriate actions. The Public Prosecutor's Office has received the complaint and will investigate the alleged assault.

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Encontré a mi hijo tirado detrás de un pupitre, llorando, ensangrentado, mientras todo el personal docente estaba afuera del salón. No había nadie vigilándolo.